OXFORD United have turned down three bids for their players, head coach Karl Robinson has revealed.

The transfer window closes a week today and the U’s are determined to hold on to their key players, even if that means missing out on a profit.

Robinson’s focus has been on adding to his squad, with three more spaces to fill, so those submitting bids have been given short shrift.

“Tough, they’re not available,” he said. “We’ve turned down three bids for some players – I can’t tell you who.

“We’ve been very open with that. We only let go of players we want to let go.

“There was profit in some of the transfer offers we’ve had, but we’re not prepared to take it.”

United’s boss says the players were informed about the approaches and none have agitated to leave.

But he did reveal one of those involved was in the group who have been offered a new deal.

“He said ‘don’t worry gaffer, we’ll get it sorted’,” Robinson said.

“It just shows you how close we are.

“There’s nothing they don’t know.”

Of the players who were heading into the final year of their contracts at the start of the summer, only Simon Eastwood has committed to a new deal.

Ryan Ledson was sold to Preston North End in May, which leaves Rob Hall and Curtis Nelson as the highest-profile players United would look to tie down.

At the start of the close season, Robinson made it clear he would rather get another year’s service and risk losing them for free next summer, rather than being forced into a deal.

Meanwhile, the final preparations for the opening game of the season on Saturday start today when the squad report for duty this morning at St George’s Park.

New signing Sam Smith will meet his new teammates, while fellow loanee Marcus Browne is due to train for the first time.

The forward has been resting for a week after picking up a minor knee issue during pre-season training with West Ham United.

  • RICARDINHO, released by United in May, will play in the Netherlands’ second tier this season after signing for FC Twente.